Education & Outreach

TIFF harnesses the unique power of film to unlock imagination and encourage lifelong curiosity and enjoyment of the arts. We believe audiences of all ages and background deserve this rich experience, which is why accessibility, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.

Our film-based learning programmes develop critical thinking skills and empathy – the need for which has never been greater in our screen-saturated modern world. Who is telling the story? Who is represented and how? We equip film-learners with the tools to enjoy and analyze the stories that surround them, while developing more confident, understanding and creative citizens.

Your support makes a diverse range of activity possible:

Free film-craft workshops and screenings to meet the needs of under-served youth across the GTA:

In 2016, we engaged over 1,900 young people in their communities, partnering with organizations including Four Corners (Malton), Pathways to Education (Scarborough), and West Neighbourhood House (Parkdale).

Outreach programmes for seniors and mental health clients:

Since 2012, our work with in-patient psychiatric units and organizations with a focus on mental health has trebled in reach – now supporting 1,200 individuals on their path to wellness each year.

Reel Magic

For the fourth year in a row, thanks to the generous support of Sun Life Financial, 1,000 tickets to the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival will be distributed to deserving individuals and families across the city through the Reel Magic program. This philanthropic initiative is part of TIFF and Sun Life’s shared commitment to ensure that TIFF is accessible to individuals and families, regardless of their means, and is supported through Sun Life's Making the Arts More Accessible®™ program. TIFF and Sun Life are thrilled to welcome these special guests to the Festival to experience the magic of film!

Sponsored by Sun Life Financial

Reel Comfort

“This programme (Reel Comfort) offers our clients a uniqueopportunity to engage in their community.We love being able to connect them with this arts in this way.”

We provide over $55,000 in free tickets to over 5,000 children, families, mental health clients, and seniors annually to eliminate financial circumstance as a barrier to participation.

“Thank you for inviting us and funding our trip to TIFF. I liked the movie because I learned to be brave and help a friend. We had fun!!!”

— Moshood, age 8, Pocket Fund recipient

Vital launch pads for young film lovers — including the TIFF Kids International Film Festival and the TIFF Next Wave Committee.

Summer Camp

TIFF Next Wave

“Being a part of TIFF has developed my leadership skills; strengthened my voicein my community and empowered me to form my own path and follow my creative and professional dreams.The confidence and success I am now experiencing would not have happened without TIFF’s community outreach.”

— Sariena Luy, 2016/2017 TIFF Next Wave Committee Member

Engagement with unparalleled industry luminaries

Higher Learning connects leading experts from a wide variety of disciplines with post secondary students, to extend learning and grow aspirations.